Interview with a Charger: Scifres

Former Leatherneck One of Top Punters in the NFL

Seven former Leathernecks were involved in this year's NFL Playoff race - Bryan Cox '91, assistant coach, New York Jets; Rodney Harrison (WIU 1991-93), New England; William James (WIU 2000), Philadelphia; Mike Scifres '02, San Diego, Rich Seubert (WIU 1997-2000), New York Giants; Aaron Stecker (WIU 1997-1998), New Orleans; and John Teerlinck '73, assistant coach, Indianapolis.

Recently, WIU Director of Athletics Media Services Jason Kaufman '97 MS '99 had a chance to visit with Scifres, one of Western Illinois' most successful professional athletes, who helped the San Diego Chargers to a 14-2 record during the regular season, and an AFC West title.

Scifres was the first punter selected in the 2003 NFL Draft, taken in the fifth round by San Diego, and has developed into one of the top punters in the NFL today. His net average over the past two seasons is second only to Mitch Berger of the New Orleans Saints, while his career average of 43.4 yards per punt is already the second-highest in Chargers history.

Scifres returned to campus in January, after the completion of the Chargers' season, visiting the annual Leatherneck Football Awards Banquet and re-connecting with old friends, administrators and coaches.

Jason Kaufman: You've been to the playoffs two of your four years in San Diego. What will it take to win it all?

Mike Scifres: We definitely have the team to do it, but there are no easy games. We have the personnel and the people in place to get it done, but that's why you play out the games. It would be a dream come true if it happens.

Can you picture what you would do when the final buzzer goes off and you win the Super Bowl?

That's one of those scenarios that you dream of. I guess I would probably grab my nearest teammate. Beyond that, I don't have any idea how I would react. That's impossible to predict.

Should I tell (former head coach) Marty Schottenheimer how you kicked a 56-yard field goal to win a Gateway title in 2000, just in case he needs you to pull out a late victory?

"Western gave me the opportunity to get a degree and made me who I am today."
-Mike Scifres '02, San Diego Charger

No, Nate (Kaeding) is too good. He's proven he can do whatever it takes to win and there's absolutely no chance I'll be needed!

What did you learn in your rookie season by playing behind a veteran like Darren Bennett?

I learned so much my rookie year. With Bennett and (place-kicker) Steve Christie and my long snapper (David Binn) I had 35 years of experience to learn from. I kicked off in six games but that is so much different than trying to punt a ball when there are 8-10 guys running right at you trying to stop you. Bennett taught me about the preparation involved, about the practice habits I needed, and that every single punt counts.

You have one chance to fix your mistakes, and that's the very next kick. He taught me how to watch video and critique myself, and how to do the little things. He is a true professional, and I learned everything about the job aspect of football from him. In the end, it's a business. The Monday through Saturday preparation, the things fans don't see on Sunday, is what I learned most from him.

You've been an alternate to the Pro Bowl for three years now. Do you see yourself playing in one soon?

That's definitely the goal at the start of every season. I am extremely happy to be mentioned among the top three punters the last three years, but it just goes to show you how good everyone else is. I can put up numbers that I think are good, but those other guys do amazing things. Brian Moorman at Buffalo is very deserving of going to the Pro Bowl. I've punted in Buffalo and it's not an easy thing to do. 

What was your most memorable game of 2006?

With 14 wins it's tough to choose one of them. This is the first year that we have swept Denver in a while, so I would say that the Sunday night win in Denver is one of the most memorable. Coming back from 14 points down in that environment was incredible. And then there was our come-from-behind win against Cincinnati. I think we scored 35 second-half points to win. Most people don't have two games like that in their career. I was pretty fortunate to be a part of two wins like that in one season.

What was the most memorable thing that Marty Schottenheimer has said to you?

Every day he said "One play at a time." That's his big thing and he instilled it in us. Every day at practice, every game, that's in our heads.

Now that you're a seasoned veteran, what advice do you have for future Leathernecks who will one-day be rookies in the NFL?

It's a business, so prepare now. The biggest thing you don't think about when you're in college is that your character off the field is just as important as what you do on the field. You're always in the public eye, and your character means more than anything at this level. Coach Schottenheimer always said "It's not the players I have, it's the people I have" and that's what makes us successful. So I would tell future NFL players to perfect your craft on the field, but don't forget to perfect the person off the field. 

When you're in the community, going into a restaurant for example, it doesn't take more than two minutes out of your time to stop and say hi to a kid who recognizes you, whether you're in San Diego or Macomb.

Do you keep tabs on Leatherneck football?

Every week I look to see how we did. There are several guys here who came from smaller schools and we always get after each other about how our teams are doing. I constantly remind Michael Turner (from Northern Illinois) that we beat him. He always reminds me that we beat the Huskies but he had nearly 300 yards against us.

Do you have any predictions for next year's Leatherneck team?

Knowing the staff and knowing how Coach Patterson does things, I know this year's record is unacceptable to him. They'll bounce back and have a better year for sure.

What is your fondest memory of Leatherneck football?

The people there definitely changed who I was from an incoming freshman to when I graduated. My teammates and coaches gave me the opportunity to play, and the community and everyone at Western made it a memorable experience. That's why I come back and visit. I have to show some of the support they showed me while I was there. They gave me the opportunity to get a degree and made me who I am today.

 

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